Poolbeg stacks could be turned into a ‘sky bridge’ for Dublin

Dún Laoghaire designer suggests concept as ESB set to decide on fate of capital’s iconic landmark

The ESB will decide by the end of the year whether to knock down Dublin's famous Poolbeg chimneys. We asked passersby on Sandymount Strand if they would like to see them saved.

School outing against the iconic backdrop of the Poolbeg stacks. Photograph: Frank Miller

The redundant Poolbeg power station’s chimney stacks could be transformed into a major tourist attraction by wrapping them in spiral ramps and creating a “sky bridge” between the two towers, according to a Dún Laoghaire-based designer.

Michael Ó Mara has proposed the “Dublin Sky Bridge” concept for Poolbeg, arguing it would become as “iconic” as the London Eye, the Sydney Opera House or the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas.

This radical proposal is being made as the fate of the landmark chimneys remains uncertain, with the ESB saying a decision would be made on their future by the end of this year. The options being considered include demolition.

Cllr Dermot Lacey of Labour, who represents the area, has tabled an emergency motion calling on Dublin City Council to add the Poolbeg stacks to the list of protected structures because of their value as landmarks and elements of the city’s industrial heritage.

Another local councillor, Jim O’Callaghan (Fianna Fáil), called on the ESB and the council to launch a public art competition for Irish artists to transform the chimneys into works of contemporary art. “Knocking them down would be very short-sighted,” he said.